Understanding the Major Depressive Episode

Sadness and unhappiness are of course a natural part of everyday life. Sometimes, though, depression goes beyond simply unhappiness and becomes clinical depression, a mental illness. For some people, this ongoing mental illness lasts for so long that psycholologists call it a major depressive episode. These episodes are defined as severe depression that lasts for two weeks or more, discounting depression that is caused by the death of a loved one. Often accompanied by feelings of despair, listlessness and even suicidal thoughts, a major depressive episode can be a very serious mental illness. Generally such an episode is a mental illness that must be treated with both medication and therapy.

The American Psychological Association (APA) is one of the most recognized and reputable groups of professional psychologists in the world. This organization has published a book, the DSM-IV, which lists major recognized mental illnesses. Within the area of major depressive episode, this book lists five sub-types of the mental illness.

1. Atypical Depression
 
Atypical depression is, according to the DSM-IV, defined by a severe sensitivity to social rejection and over-reaction to life events. This particular form of mental illness brings with it increased appetite and weight gain, excessive sleepiness and a sensation of heavy appendages.
 
2. Catatonic Depression
 
One of the more rare, yet severe, forms of major depressive episode, catatonic depression is where a person is so depressed that they actually cease normal functioning. Such a person is unable to speak and is often almost totally immobile.
 
3. Melancholic Depression
 
One of the more common forms of the mental illness that is depression, melancholic depression takes all of the joy out of a person’s life. One suffering from this form of the mental illness will lose interest in all previously enjoyed activities, often distancing themselves from family and friends. This disorder is usually accompanied by lack of appetite and weight loss, and feelings of extreme guilt.
 
4. Postpartum Depression
 
Postpartum depression is a mental disorder that is brought on by childbirth. Ten to 15 percent of new mothers experience some level of postpartum depression, the symptoms of which often begin with one month of delivery and last for up to three months. Likely this depression is a result of unstable hormones in a woman’s body.
 
5. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
 
This form of depression is when a person has serious depressive symptoms that begin in the winter months and seem to resolve themselves in the spring. Common to those living in cold, northern climates, this disorder can be quite serious during periods of depression.